Should police have a presence in Ottawa schools? This trustee thinks so

A return to the past? Could police once again have a presence inside Ottawa-Carleton District schools? At least one trustee certainly hopes so. But she will need to win over the support of her board colleagues, who previously shot down a similar idea. 

Barrhaven Trustee Donna Blackburn has been a vocal critic of the OCDSB’s 2021 decision to stop its school resources program. In fact, she was the only one opposed to the change. The board argued at the time that there was a strained relationship between officers and the students, according to CBC.

• “What I believe we need to return to is a positive proactive relationship with the police. The Ottawa Police Services has re-envisioned its youth services, and they have youth community officers,” Blackburn told the Lookout. 

Background: The program was ended by the board due to strained relationships between officers and some students and their families, according to CBC, especially students of colour. Student trustee Joy Liu noted during the debate that schools have social workers and psychologists already to help students.

Since the school resource program ended, Blackburn said the OCDSB has been unable to have police come in to give talks on issues like the dangers of social media, bullying, or human trafficking. And when any issues do arise, it’s beat cops who respond. 

• “Different cops have different training. The police officers who were involved with the school resource officer program were specially trained to deal with youth,” said Blackburn. “And we all know that the teenage brain is a different brain than an adult brain. What I want to ensure is that our students and staff get the best possible service.”

Blackburn’s debate could be a tough one to argue: In May 2022, she wanted the OCDSB to "engage in discussions with the Ottawa Police Service to establish standards of practice that allow for police support to schools." But, Trustee Christine Boothby put forward a motion to defer Blackburn's motion indefinitely, and it successfully passed. 

Then, in June 2023, Blackburn brought forward a similar motion again, citing recent violence in schools. But it didn’t go very far either. Six trustees voted to sustain the point of order. Five, including Blackburn, voted against it. Trustee Amanda Presley said such a motion “will cause harm to our community partners and our community as well as the perception and integrity of the board.”

So will this time be any different? “I'm pretty confident this time I will be successful,” said Blackburn. “But if I'm not, I won't give up.”

Police would support a return: In June 2023, Ottawa Police Chief Eric Stubbs said he'd rather change the perceptions of young people by having uniformed officers there "sooner than later" so they don't go their whole lives not trusting police, according to CBC. His comments came at a time Ontario Minister of Education Stephen Lecce wrote a memo to all public school boards stating children’s parents who are police officers could attend career fairs and take-your-parent-to-school days in uniform. 

There have also been a number of instances at schools. In March 2022 a teenage boy was listed in stable condition after a stabbing at Longfields-Davidson Heights Secondary School in Barrhaven. Then in January of this year, two people were injured after facing serious injuries during a stabbing at Hillcrest High School. 

At the time, Police Chief Stubbs said they would be increasing police presence in schools with the following areas: Dedicated support, proactive engagement, and streamlined communications. 

• “Our Community Youth Unit has been actively engaged with the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board’s safe school staff and leadership team,” said Stubbs. “This partnership has included visits from our youth officers to Hillcrest High School to provide support and guidance. Additionally, a violent threat risk assessment was conducted in collaboration with our youth serving partners. This comprehensive assessment aims to address any further risks and ensure a safe environment for all students and staff.”

Blackburn reiterated that these are reasons why a police presence would be beneficial and said the majority of students don’t fear having a law enforcement presence in schools.

In other school news: On Saturday afternoon, parents gathered outside City Hall to protest the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board’s latest elementary program changes, according to CTV. Many are concerned about the removal of alternative schools, and said entering mainstream classes would be a negative for their children. Parents also said they believe the board isn’t adequately listening to their concerns.